Undershot Gate Flow Diverter and Acoustic Array for Precise Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow measurement technologies through submerged orifices, particularly in undershot irrigation gates, face challenges in accurately measuring flow rates due to complexities in velocity profiles and contraction coefficients, leading to potential over- or under-estimation of flow rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an undershot gate system equipped with a flow diverter and a plurality of acoustic transducers forming crossed acoustic paths allows for precise measurement of flow velocity and gate opening height, enabling the calculation of flow rate by integrating vertical velocity profiles and multiplying by the internal width of the acoustic arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow measurement methods are used through submerged orifices, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor due to complexities in velocity profiles and contraction coefficients
Solution Approach 1:
The gate leaf is segmented into multiple sections with different flow diverters, allowing independent optimization of flow control at different locations. The acoustic transducers are arranged in arrays with multiple elements, enabling detailed velocity profile measurements through signal segmentation and processing
Solution Approach 2:
Acoustic transducers are introduced as intermediary devices to measure flow velocity non-intrusively. These transducers act as mediators between the flowing liquid and the measurement system, allowing accurate velocity detection without disrupting the flow pattern or requiring direct contact with the high-velocity stream
2Ease of operation
If a flow diverter is added to guide liquid under the gate leaf, then the flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter is merged with the gate leaf structure itself, forming an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This combining of functions reduces the number of discrete parts while maintaining flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gate leaf serves multiple functions: it acts as both the flow control barrier and incorporates the flow diverter function through its integrated structure. The single component performs both gate operation and flow guidance, eliminating the need for separate flow control devices
3Measurement precision
If acoustic transducers are used to measure velocity profiles, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic transducer arrays are positioned to measure only the critical portions of the velocity profile that most significantly affect flow rate calculations. By focusing measurements on key regions rather than the entire profile, the system achieves sufficient accuracy with reduced complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical velocity measurement devices (such as current meters or flow meters requiring physical insertion into the flow) are replaced with acoustic transducers that use sound wave propagation. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while providing non-intrusive, accurate velocity measurements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides accurate and reliable flow rate measurements by accounting for the vertical velocity profile and gate opening, reducing errors associated with traditional methods and improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pairs of acoustic transducers forming an acoustic array on opposing sides of said open channel or pipe to provide, in use, a plurality of multiple planes of crossed acoustic paths for measurement of flow velocity
Data Source
AI summary
An undershot gate system controls flow of liquid through an open channel or pipe. The system includes a gate leaf adapted to be raised and lowered by a control to allow flow of liquid along the open channel or pipe. The gate leaf has a flow diverter at an end of the gate leaf to guide liquid under the gate leaf and through an opening when the gate leaf is in an open position.